Mattress pad with removable insert

ABSTRACT

A mattress pad having a removable insert is provided. The mattress pad includes a base layer and a cover layer overlying the base layer. The cover layer and base layer are secured together to form one or more receiving areas are between the base layer and the cover layer for removably receiving respective inserts. Different inserts may be formed having different properties such that properties of the mattress pad may be selectively varied as desired by a user by replacing the inserts in the mattress pad.

BACKGROUND

The following description relates to a mattress pad or topper, for example, a mattress pad or topper having a removable or interchangeable insert selectively positioned therein.

A mattress pad or topper generally includes a cushioned surface for positioning on a top surface of a mattress. The mattress pad or topper may also include depending sides or straps configured to engage and/or fit around the side of the mattress. A mattress pad or topper is generally positioned between the mattress and bedding or bed linens. For example, the mattress pad or topper may be positioned directly on the mattress, and a fitted bottom sheet of a bed linen set may be fitted over the mattress pad.

The cushioned surface of the mattress pad may include two sheets of fabric sized to generally fit over the top of the mattress, and have a cushioning material or stuffing disposed between the two sheets. Accordingly, the mattress pad may provide a layer of cushioning on top of the mattress.

However, different users of the mattress may desire different characteristics, such as cushioning or padding characteristics, such as firmness. In a typical mattress pad, the cushioning material or stuffing between the two sheets of fabric is not readily removable or replaceable. Additionally, in a typically mattress pad, the cushioning characteristics are generally the same across the entire surface of the mattress on which the user or users may lie. Thus, the cushioning or padding characteristics of the mattress pad may not be customized for different users' preferences, or be varied across the mattress pad.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a mattress pad having removable, replaceable and/or interchangeable inserts so that cushioning and other characteristics of the mattress pad may be selectively varied. It is also desirable to provide a mattress pad configured to receive non-overlapping, different removable, replaceable and/or interchangeable inserts at the same time to selectively vary cushioning and other characteristics across the surface of the mattress pad.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, a mattress pad includes a base layer, a cover layer overlying the base layer and secured to the base layer along a seam, a first receiving area formed between the base layer and the cover layer on a first side of the seam, the first receiving area configured to receive a first insert, and a second receiving area formed between the base layer and the cover layer on a second side of the seam, the second receiving area configured to receive a second insert.

According to another embodiment, a mattress pad includes a base layer, a cover layer overlying the base layer and secured to the base layer along a seam, a first receiving area formed between the base layer and the cover layer on a first side of the seam, a first insert removably positioned in the first receiving area, a second receiving area formed between the base layer and the cover layer on a second side of the seam, and a second insert removably positioned in the second receiving area.

According to still another embodiment, a mattress pad includes a base layer having a top surface and depending sides extending from the top surface, the top surface and depending sides configured to fit around a mattress. The mattress pad further includes a cover layer overlying the base layer and secured to the base layer so as to define a receiving area therebetween. An insert, such as a cushioning insert, is removably and interchangeably positioned in the receiving area.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like pans, elements, components, steps, and processes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mattress pad according to an embodiment described herein;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a mattress pad according to an embodiment described herein;

FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of a mattress pad according to an embodiment described herein; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an insert according to an embodiment described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the present disclosure is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described one or more embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered illustrative only and is not intended to limit the disclosure to any specific embodiment described or illustrated.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mattress pad 10 or topper according to an embodiment described herein. Referring to FIG. 1, the mattress pad 10 includes a base layer 12 and cover layer 14 overlying the base layer 12. A portion of the cover layer 14 may be secured to be base layer 12 to define a receiving area 16 between the base layer 12 and cover layer 14. The receiving area 16 is configured to receive an insert 18, such as a cushioning insert. The insert 18 may be preformed and removably, replaceably and/or interchangeably positioned in the receiving area 16.

The base layer 12 includes a surface sheet 20 (see FIG. 3) configured to extend across a top surface a mattress. A base layer peripheral edge 77 extends about the base layer 12 that generally corresponds to a peripheral edge of the top surface of the mattress. In some embodiments, depending sides 24 may extend from the surface sheet 20. For example, the depending sides 24 may extend downwardly relative to the surface sheet 20, from the base layer peripheral edge 22. The depending sides 24 are configured to fit around the mattress.

FIG. 2 is front perspective view of the mattress pad 10 according to an embodiment described herein, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional diagram of the mattress pad 10 according to embodiment described herein. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the cover layer 14 may be secured to the base layer 12 along a seam 26. In one embodiment, the seam 26 extends in a length direction of the cover layer 14 and may be positioned between opposing longitudinal edges 28 of the cover layer 14. The seam 26 may be centered a width direction of the cover layer 14.

The receiving area 16 may include a first receiving area 16 formed at a first side of the seam 26 between the base layer 12 and the cover layer 14, and a second receiving area 16 formed at a second side, opposite from the first side, of the seam 26 between the base layer 12 and the cover layer 14. The first receiving area 16 is configured to receive a first insert 18 and the second receiving area 16 is configured to receive a second insert 18.

The cover layer 14 includes a cover layer peripheral edge 30. The cover layer 14 may also include a closure 32 (FIG. 3). The closure 32 is configured to secure the cover layer 14 to the base layer 12. In one embodiment, the closure 32 is positioned at the cover layer peripheral edge 30, and may secure the cover layer peripheral edge 30 to the base layer peripheral edge 22. In one embodiment, the closure 32 may include corresponding closure members oppositely positioned along the cover layer peripheral edge 30 and the base layer peripheral edge 22. It is understood, however, that the present disclosure is not limited to this example, and the closure 32 may be positioned at locations other than the peripheral edges.

The closure 32 may be a releasable closure to selectively allow access to the receiving area or areas 16. For example, the closure may be a slide fastener, a hook and loop fastener, buttons, snaps and the like. It is understood, however, that the closure 32 is not limited solely to a releasable closures. For example, the closure 32 may also include non-releasable closures, such as stitching, adhesive or the like, and extend partially along the base layer peripheral edge 22 and/or cover layer peripheral edge 30.

In one embodiment, the cover layer 14 ma include a first layer 34 and a second layer 36, with one of the first layer 34 and the second layer 36 overlying the other of the first layer 34 and the second layer 36. In one embodiment, the first layer 34 and second layer 36 may be formed as individual sheets of material overlying one another and secured to one another along respective peripheral edges of each sheet. The respective peripheral edges of each sheet may correspond to a peripheral edge 30 of the cover layer 14. However, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to this example. For example, the cover layer 14 may be formed by a single sheet of material folded over on itself, or by multiple sheets of material secured together to form each layer.

In one embodiment, the first layer 34 and the second layer 36 may be stitched or otherwise secured together across their respective surfaces to form a plurality of boxes 38 across a surface of the cover layer 14. The boxes 38 may be filled with a filler material to provide, for example, additional cushioning, insulation and/or heat retention properties.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, for example, the cover layer 14 overlies the base layer 12. The cover layer 14 and base layer 12 are secured together along a seam 26 extending in the length direction substantially along a centerline of the mattress pad 10. The seam 26 may be formed by, for example, stitching between the cover layer 14 and base layer 12. A first receiving area 16 is formed on one side of the seam 26 and a second receiving area 16 is formed on another side of the seam 26 opposite from the one side. The closure 32 may extend about a periphery of the mattress pad 10. For example, the closure 32 may be formed at the cover layer peripheral edge 30 and/or the base layer peripheral edge 22. The closure 32 may be a releasable closure to allow selective access to the receiving areas 16 to insert or remove the inserts 18. In one embodiment, the closure 32 may be a releasable closure about the entire periphery of the mattress pad, or include closure components equally spaced from one another about the entire periphery of the mattress pad 10. Alternatively, the closure 32 may include a first portion that is formed as a releasable closure to allow access to the receiving areas 16 and a second portion that is formed as a non-releasable closure, to limit the where the receiving areas 16 may be accessed.

The inserts 18 may be formed of different materials having different properties. Accordingly, the inserts 18 may be interchangeably replaced depending a user's preferences. In addition, the mattress pad 10, as described above, may be configured to accommodate different inserts 18 in the first and second receiving areas 16. Thus, the mattress pad 10 may simultaneously provide different properties by having inserts 18 of different construction received in the first and second receiving areas 16.

In one embodiment, with reference to FIG. 3, the insert 18 is formed by a filler material 40. The filler material 40 may be, for example, foam, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, polyester, gel, cooling material or materials, feathers, a mesh material and the like. The insert 18 may also be formed by a combination of filler materials 40. In one embodiment, the filler material 40 may include polyester in the form of batting, bonded fiber, microfiber, cluster ball or the like. The filler material 40 may also include, for example, TENCEL®, lyocell, cooling fibers or the like. In another embodiment, the filler material 40 includes foam or shredded foam. The shredded foam may be blended with polyester or another filler material in some embodiments. A feather filler material 40 may include, for example, feather down, down feather or a synthetic down or feather. A gel filler material 40 may be a cooling gel.

In one embodiment, the filler material 40 is contained in an outer layer 42. That is, the insert 18 may be formed by an outer layer 42 and a filler material 40 contained within the outer layer 42. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the outer layer 42 may be formed from a fabric material, either natural or synthetic. For example, the outer layer may be formed from a cotton, polyester, nylon or blended material. The outer layer 42 is not limited to these constructions, however. In one embodiment, the outer layer 42 may include a mesh portion or portions 44 to allow for increased airflow between an interior of the outer layer 42 where the filler material 40 is positioned and an exterior. In another embodiment, the entire outer layer 42 may be formed of as mesh material 44. Increased airflow may serve to prevent or limit heat buildup in the insert 18. In another example, the outer layer 42 may include upper and lower surfaces stitched together to form a plurality of boxes 46 (see FIG. 2). The filler material 40 may be received in the boxes 46. The outer layer 42 may also, or alternatively, be formed of a knitted fabric, or include knitted fabric sections.

FIG. 4 shows an insert 18 having first and second sections 18 a, 18 b of different filler materials and optional outer layers 42, according to one embodiment. For example, referring to FIG. 4, first section or sections 18 a of the insert 18 may be formed of a filler material (not shown), such as polyester that may be contained in an outer layer 42. The outer layer 42 may be formed as, for example, a fabric such as a knitted fabric or a mesh fabric. One or more discretely positioned second sections 18 b may be formed along a length or width of the insert 18. The second sections 18 b may include a filler material (not shown) such as gel or foam contained in another outer layer 42, formed as, for example, a knitted fabric or mesh material. The mesh material, in some embodiments, may be a shiatsu mesh material. The second section or sections 18 b may overlie the first section 18 a or, alternatively, be inserted into first section 18 a so that only one of the first section 18 a or section 18 b is present at various locations across the insert 18. It is understood the present disclosure is not limited to this example and that various combinations of the different filler materials 40 and outer layers 42 described above may be combined to form an insert 18. It is also understood that in some embodiments where a certain filler material is used, for example, some types of foams, an outer layer 42 encasing the filler material 40 may be omitted.

It is understood that different filler materials 40 and/or different outer layer 42 constructions may provide different properties or characteristics of the mattress pad 10. For example, using different filler materials 40 and/or different outer layer 42 constructions may provide different cushioning, firmness, cooling or breathability (i.e., airflow between an interior and exterior of the insert 18) properties or characteristics.

In one embodiment, the mattress pad 10 is configured to receive a first insert 18 in the first receiving area 16 and a second insert 18 in the second receiving area 16. The first insert 18 may include a first filler material 40 and the second insert 18 may include a second filler material 40. In one embodiment, the first filler material 40 may be the same as the second filler material 40. In another embodiment, the first filler material 40 is different than the second filler material 40.

In addition, the first insert 18 may include a first outer layer 42 containing the first filler material 40, and the second insert 18 may include a second outer layer 42 containing the second filler material 40. The first and second outer layers 42 may be formed identically or differently from one another. For example, none of, one of, or both of the first outer layer 42 and second layer 42 may include a mesh portion 44.

Referring to the examples in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first insert 18, shown on the left side of FIGS. 2 and 3, may have a first outer layer 42 with upper and lower layers stitched together to form the plurality of boxes 46. The first filler material 40 may be disposed in the boxes 46. The first filler material 40 may be, for example, a fibrous material, such a polyester fiber. The second insert 18, shown at the right side of FIGS. 2 and 3, may include a second outer layer 42 that is formed, at least partially, by a mesh material 44 or includes at least one mesh insert. The second filler material 40 may be disposed within the second outer layer 42. In one example, the second filler material 40 may be foam.

In the examples above, the mattress pad 10 may be positioned directly on a mattress. For example, depending sides 24 may be fit around the peripheral sides of the mattress with the surface sheet 20 extending across a top surface of the mattress. Additional bedding, such as a bottom sheet may be positioned over the mattress pad 10. Inserts 18 having the same, or different characteristics or properties from one another may be replaceably inserted and removed from respective receiving areas 16 of the mattress pad 10 so that users may customize the properties, for example, the cushioning properties, of the mattress pad 10 as desired. In addition, the properties, including the cushioning properties, may be simultaneously varied across the mattress pad 10 so that different users may customize respective sides of the mattress pad 10 with desired properties.

It is understood that the examples described above and shown in figures are not limiting. Various combinations of the different features described above, including different combinations of filler materials, outer layers, and positioning in receiving areas are envisioned. That is, various features from one of the embodiments above may be implemented and/or used together with other embodiments described herein.

It should also be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims. 

1. A mattress pad comprising: a base layer; a cover layer overlying the base layer, secured directly to and contacting the base layer along a seam; a first receiving area formed between the base layer and the cover layer on a first side of the seam, the first receiving area configured to receive a first insert; and a second receiving area formed between the base layer and the cover layer on a second side of the seam, the second receiving area configured to receive a second insert.
 2. The mattress pad of claim 1, wherein the base layer includes a base layer peripheral edge and the cover layer includes a cover layer peripheral edge.
 3. The mattress pad of claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the base layer peripheral edge and secured to the cover layer peripheral edge with a closure.
 4. The mattress pad of claim 3, wherein the closure is a releasable closure selected from the group comprising: a slide fastener, a hook and loop fastener, buttons and snaps.
 5. The mattress pad of claim 1, wherein the first insert comprises a first filler material and the second insert comprises a second filler material.
 6. The mattress pad of claim 5, wherein the first filler material and the second filler material are selected from the group comprising: foam, polyester fiber, synthetic fibers, natural fibers and gel.
 7. The mattress pad of claim 5, wherein the first filler material is the same material as the second filler material.
 8. The mattress pad of claim 5, wherein the first filler material is a different material than the second filler material.
 9. The mattress pad of claim 5, wherein the first insert further comprises a first outer layer, the first outer layer containing the first filler material.
 10. The mattress pad of claim 9, wherein the first outer layer includes a mesh material.
 11. The mattress pad of claim 5, wherein the second insert further comprises a second outer layer, the second outer layer containing the second filler material.
 12. The mattress pad of claim 11, wherein the second outer layer includes a mesh material.
 13. The mattress pad of claim 2, Wherein the cover layer further comprises a first layer, a second layer, and a cover filler material received between the first layer and the second layer.
 14. The mattress pad of claim 13, wherein the cover layer includes stitching between the first layer and the second layer to form a plurality of boxes across a surface of the cover layer and the cover filler material is disposed in the boxes.
 15. The mattress pad of claim 2, wherein the base layer further comprises depending sides extending from the base layer peripheral edge, the depending sides configured to fit around a mattress.
 16. A mattress pad comprising: a base layer; a cover layer overlying the base layer, secured directly to and contacting the base layer along a seam; a first receiving area formed between the base layer and the cover layer on a first side of the seam; a first insert removably positioned in the first receiving area; a second receiving area formed between the base layer and the cover layer on a second side of the seam; and a second insert removably positioned in the second receiving area.
 17. A mattress pad comprising: a base layer having a surface sheet and depending sides extending from the surface sheet, the surface sheet and depending sides configured to fit around a mattress; a cover layer overlying the base layer, secured directly to and contacting the base layer so as to define a receiving area therebetween; and an insert removably positioned in the receiving area. 